Opus College of Business Lands in Top 25 Percent of Nation’s “Best Business Schools” in Latest U.S. News & World Report Ranking

The Opus College of Business found itself among the top 25 percent of the nation’s accredited business schools in rankings published on March 13 by U.S. News & World Report.

This was the first opportunity for the college to be ranked by U.S. News because the news outlet only considers schools that hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Following a five-year process, the Opus College of Business became the first private college or university in Minnesota to receive AACSB accreditation in December 2010.

In its first year of eligibility, the Opus College of Business’ full-time MBA program was ranked 104th among the 441 U.S.-based, AACSB-accredited programs able to take part in the survey. U.S. News only published its top 102 ranked programs online, but listed St. Thomas as having a “rank not published” in its report and corresponded directly with the school about its rank. MBA programs belonging to Stanford and Harvard tied for first in the country, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business notched third place.

In a separate ranking of 326 accredited part-time MBA programs, U.S. News and World Report listed St. Thomas at No. 200.

“We always believed we had an outstanding business school, but there wasn’t a good way to demonstrate that,” commented Dr. Christopher Puto, dean and holder of the Opus Distinguished Chair in Business. “To move from being unranked to the top 25 percent is a wonderful affirmation. This initial ranking recognizes the efforts of our faculty, staff, students and benefactors. I could not be more grateful or proud of what they have accomplished.”

There are six AACSB-accredited colleges and universities in Minnesota and 22 in the five-state area. In its “Best Business Schools” list, U.S. News and World Report ranked only four of those 22 higher than St. Thomas: the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.